Cloud Credential Server Single Sign-On Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shift towards cloud computing has led to users accessing data and services remotely, making traditional operating system features like file management and software updates less relevant, and resulting in a need for simplified user authentication methods that allow seamless access to multiple cloud-based services without the hassle of multiple logins.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single-sign-on method using a cloud-based credential server that receives usernames and passwords, authenticates users, and provides credentials for accessing various cloud-based services, with the option to automatically generate account credentials and synchronize authentication information across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users access multiple cloud-based services separately, then each service can be accessed independently, but users must manage multiple accounts and logins which increases complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple authentication credentials (username/password pairs) for different cloud services into a single credential (access token) issued by the credential server. This merging allows users to access multiple services through one authentication event rather than managing separate logins for each service.
Solution Approach 2:
The access token serves multiple functions across different cloud-based services. A single credential issued by the credential server can be used to authenticate with any service in the cloud environment, making the authentication mechanism universal rather than service-specific.
2Reliability
If users manage multiple account credentials separately, then each service maintains security independence, but the complexity of credential management increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The credential server acts as an intermediary between users and multiple cloud services. Instead of users directly managing credentials for each service, the credential server mediates authentication by issuing and managing access tokens on behalf of users, simplifying credential management while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy of the authentication mechanism. Rather than requiring users to manage complex credentials for each service, the credential server issues simplified access tokens that replicate authentication functionality across multiple services without the complexity of individual credential management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional authentication methods are used for each cloud service, then each service can authenticate independently, but users experience the hassle of multiple logins and account management
Solution Approach 1:
The access token provides universal authentication capability across multiple cloud services while maintaining the independence of each service's authentication verification process. Each service can independently verify the token without requiring users to re-authenticate, achieving both versatility and convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing a single-sign-on service are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, at a computing device, a username and a password. The example method further includes providing the username and the password to a cloud-based credential server. The example method also includes receiving, from the cloud-based credential server, authentication information corresponding with the username and the password. The example method still further includes granting or denying access to the computing device and one or more cloud-based services based on the authentication information.